While she’s only in her twenties, this Zimbabwean scholar isn’t letting it stop her from making historic wins.
Meet Africa's youngest female PhD graduate. Dr Musawenkosi “Musa” Saurombe receives PhD in Industrial Psychology in SA. She's only 23! 🙌🏾🎓❤️ pic.twitter.com/yjwe6bYq7q
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) August 31, 2017
In 2017, Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe became the youngest person, at 23-years-old to earn a Ph.D. on the continent of Africa, according to Blacknews.com.
She received her doctorate of philosophy in industrial and organizational psychology from North-West University.
Prior to making history, she graduated from the school with her bachelor of commerce degree at age 19. Then, she received her honors and master’s degrees at 20 and 21.
Nearly five years later, Saurombe has taken her extensive education and used it to teach others. The outlet reports that she is an associate professor at the University of Johannesburg.
“Congratulations, my sister,” Saurombe’s friend Tutu Kgobane wrote in a LinkedIn post. “The youngest PhD graduate in Africa. She has now been appointed a professor. Prof Musa! So proud of her.”
Saurombe’s road to her promotion initially started during her time as a postdoctoral research fellow at her alma mater, which led to her role as a senior lecturer at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein.
According to Africa News, it required a lot of sacrifices for her to achieve success.
“My father had to sell his car, just to get me through my third year of study and also the general social challenges, usually being the youngest in my class,” she told News24 Beautiful News.
She added: “What motivates me is my responsibility to be good to others. I am currently working as a post-doctoral researcher and youth activist – ensuring that others can reach their interests and their goals.”
Saurombe’s word of advice for the younger generation is to push forward without listening to the naysayers.
“As young people, it is very important to accrue the right character traits, don’t let anyone tell you that you are substandard, under par or unworthy of having a dream, so be daring be bold and be aggressive in your pursuit of success.”
